The Associated Press updated 10:35 a.m. ET, Wed., Oct. 22, 2008 WASHINGTON - Antilock brakes could help motorcycle riders avoid fatal crashes, according to a study by the insurance industry. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said Wednesday that the fatal crash rate involving motorcycles equipped with optional antilock brakes, or ABS, was 38 percent lower than the rate involving similar motorcycles without the systems. Antilock brakes, like their counterparts on cars and trucks, help motorcycle riders stop their bikes abruptly without locking up the wheels or fishtailing. The system evaluates the brake pressure multiple times per second, allowing motorcycle riders to fully brake both wheels in an emergency situation and avoid hitting the pavement. Antilocks are more typically found on touring bikes and have been available on a limited number of motorcycles since BMW AG introduced ABS on the K100 in 1988. "You keep a bike from swerving out of control one time, and it's worth (it)," he said. the rest of it is here http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27313063/
I spoke to a Highway Patrol motorcycle cop a while back (when he pulled me up for a routine check while riding my Kwaka Vulcan) and he told me that they avoid using their rear brake at all.
Another hint was to always have your left foot on the peg, when at a standstill, always ready to put it in gear and take off (undoubtedly to catch and book someone) in case of emergency.
something better than keeping left foot up ready to take off, would be to hold the clutch in.
